The Fanshawe College student union gave out stress balls and wrist bands

Christmas has come and gone, summer remains months away and snow is in the air — mix the ingredients together and you have a formula for the most depressing time of the year.

But students at Fanshawe College are trying to interject a little cheer into the bleak winter months, all while shining a light on mental health.

It’s called “Blue Monday” and it’s the third Monday in January. The day has become synonymous with depression, known in popular culture as the saddest day of the year.

The science of the claim has been questioned, but the day has since become an opportunity to advocate for mental health support.

On Monday, members of the Fanshawe Student Union partnered with the College Student Alliance to host a series of events aimed at extinguishing the stigma around mental health issues.

Therapy puppies were brought in for students to play with and de-stress. An adjacent hallway was full of community partners offering information and venues for support. A guest speaker shared her personal experiences.

“We are trying to start a discussion on mental health issues,” said Tamara Popovic of the College Student Alliance. “We want to make sure that people are talking about it.”

Lois Wey works with Fanshawe’s counselling services and says mental health issues are especially important for a student demographic.

“Serious mental health issues tend to emerge during early adulthood and the stress associated with moving away from home for the first time,” she said.

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WHAT IS BLUE MONDAY?

Said to be statistically the most depressing day of the year

Actually started as a way to promote mid-January vacations

Has since been co-opted as a day to promote mental health awareness

The numbers

1/5 Canadians will experience a mental health illness

49% of people who have suffered depression haven’t seen a doctor about it

24% of deaths between the age of 15-24 are due to suicide

16% of deaths between the age of 25-44 are due to suicide

Canada has the third highest youth suicide rate in the industrialized world

Source: Canadian Mental Health Association

IF YOU NEED HELP

Call the Mental Health Crisis Service, available 24/7 at 519-433-2023

Call the Ontario Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600

Both Fanshawe College and Western University offer counselling services

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